Recidivism Rates

Recidivism rates refer to the percentage of individuals who, after being released from incarceration or completing a program, reoffend and are re-arrested, re-convicted, or returned to prison within a specific period, usually one or two years. It measures how often former offenders commit new crimes after their release. High recidivism rates suggest challenges in rehabilitation and the effectiveness of criminal justice or social support systems. Understanding these rates helps policymakers develop strategies to improve rehabilitation, reduce repeat offenses, and enhance public safety.